The Iranian American Jewish Great Neck man held in an Iranian prison was an advocate for Iran, according to Village of Great Neck Mayor Pedram Bral.
“He really advocated – he did advocate for Iran. I mean, believe it or not, he was an advocate for Iran, which I found very surprising, and for him now to be held hostage – it’s ironic,” Bral said. “He’s a 70-year-old man, his wife and his children and brothers in the community are desperately waiting for him to come home.”
Bral said he has known Kamran Hekmati, who has been charged in Iran for visiting Israel, for 25 to 30 years. Bral said Hekmati never spoke negatively about Iran and had traveled there multiple times over the years, including many visits after his trip to Israel.
“I would have thought he would be the last one that they take because, you know, he never said anything negative about the government,” Bral said.
Bral also said Hekmati is a “very active part” of the Great Neck community and the Jewish community, and is known for being kind and loving.
“He’s a kind, genuine gentleman who was an active member of his community,” Bral said. “He gave to Great Neck. He gave to his Jewish community.”
Hekmati, 70, has been held in Iran since July and has been charged with traveling to Israel 13 years ago, his family told The New York Times. Kamran Hekmati, 70, was sentenced to four years in prison in late August.
Since The Times reported on Hekmati’s imprisonment on Nov. 6, the community has called for Hekmati’s release. This includes U.S. Rep. Thomas Suozzi of New York’s 3rd Congressional District, who wrote a letter on Nov. 11 to Secretary of State Marco Rubio, urging immediate action by the State Department to secure Hekmati’s release.
Hekmati is a Great Neck Estates resident and a member of the village’s zoning board who owns a jewelry business based in New York City.
Bral said the community is cautiously hopeful about Hekmati’s future.
“People are hopeful, but at the same time, they know what this government is capable of,” Bral said. “There’s no rhyme or reason. There’s none.”
David Esh, chairman of the Great Neck Estates Zoning Board of Appeals, echoed the idea that the community isn’t sure how to help Hekmati.
“As far as the community goes, for me it’s hard to ascertain what we can do other than, for example, talking to you and the press to try to get the word out,” Esh said. “So hopefully the government and the State Department can advocate for him to try to get him back.”
Esh served alongside Hekmati on the zoning board, of which he said Hekmati is one of the longest-standing members.
“It’s just sad to see that you know Kamran is paying the price for the politicians there trying to advance their political will,” he said, referring to the Iranian government.
